Policeman killed in Aceh

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: One policeman belonging to the elite Mobile Brigade (Brimob) was shot dead by an unidentified armed group at Meunasah Krueng, Bireuen regency, Aceh on Saturday, putting the fragile peace agreement between the government and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in jeopardy.

Spokesman for the Security Restoration Operation Comr. Taufiq told the press in Banda Aceh that Private Elfis, a personnel of Jakarta-based 3rd Brimob Regiment, was riding a motorbike when a group of unidentified gunmen shot him from behind at around 2 p.m. Elfis died on the spot.

Elfis' body is currently being kept at Dr. Fauziah General Hospital in Bireuen, some 200 kilometers east of Banda Aceh.

The government and GAM signed a peace deal last Dec. 9, under which they agreed to end all hostilities. They also agreed to set up a Joint Security Committee (JSC) to monitor the implementation of the accord.

However, there have been many reports of skirmishes between GAM and the military. A military personnel was injured on Friday when his convey was ambushed by GAM at Makmur village, North Aceh.

Taufik said he would report the incident to JSC, which began its work on Friday.

"I think the case is the first homework for JSC which has to be resolved thoroughly," Taufik was quoted by Antara as saying.

No group has claimed responsibility for the killing. --JP